Property of the Week: North Woods of Colchester

TONY BACEWICZ

Builder Alan Williams is constantly creating new designs to enhance the lifestyles of homebuyers at North Woods of Colchester. The latest addition to the menu of model homes is called The Maple which is offered as a single-floor ranch or two-story home depending on the needs of the customer. “We combined key elements from several of our previous award-winning designs, then added a dash of solar orientation along with the flexibility of having a one- or two-story home,” says Williams. The Maple will appeal to many couples and singles who are seeking the maintenance-free lifestyle offered by North Woods.

The base model ranch offers two bedrooms and 1,540 square feet of living space. It comes with a full basement and includes an outdoor deck or patio. One of the key features is that the 12-by-16-foot master bedroom is at the opposite end of the home from the 12-by-12-foot guest bedroom for maximum privacy.

Upon entering the The Maple, the extra-wide foyer projects a feeling of spaciousness that continues throughout all the living areas. The guest bedroom, which can easily be converted to an office or study, is located near the entrance and right next to the full bath that features a tile floor, deep-toned maple cabinets and a granite-topped sink. Conveniently located on the opposite side of the foyer is an enclosed laundry area.

Transom lights that bridge the entrance foyer as it passes into the kitchen area are among the options added to The Maple to showcase what is possible beyond the basic plan.

Perhaps the most dramatic element of this home is the bright and airy 27-by-28-foot combined space that includes the kitchen, dining and living areas, topped with extra-wide crown molding and recessed ceiling lights. The black granite-trimmed gas fireplace is easily visible from the living, dining or kitchen areas and is outfitted with a recessed media screen shelf just above the mantle.

The golden oak stair and rail that leads to the second floor is gently curved to open wide at the landing, making a simple but elegant statement of attention to detail many home buyers would appreciate. Upstairs is a roomy 16-by-15-foot loft with a full bath that could easily be an activity room for the homeowner or a play space for visiting children. Down a short hall is a 12-by-15-foot office space that could be configured to serve as a second-floor bedroom.

Paul and Elaine Story are two new residents who say they were impressed with the quality of construction at North Woods as well as the layout and design of the community. “We just fell in love with the community,” recalls Paul. “We also appreciated that Alan builds the homes at North Woods with the same attention to detail that he puts into his million dollar homes.”

Single-floor, maintenance-free living was a big selling point for the couple who are both in their 70s. “We wanted a home that either one of us could easily continue to live in should something happen to the other,” explains Paul, who adds, “All we’re really responsible for is what’s inside.”

When their 2,100-square-foot Dutch colonial home in Manchester sold well before the delivery date of their 1,750-square-foot White Birch model home at North Woods, Williams accelerated the building schedule on the new home to ease the transition. Paul and Elaine were also happy to move into a home that they were able to customize by adding a 12-foot-long closet that required extending the footprint of the home by three feet.

Customizing designs to suit the needs of homebuyers has long been one of the hallmarks of North Woods of Colchester. “Floor plans are just starting points for most of our customers. There are really no two homes alike here,” says Williams. “If it’s possible, we will do it for our customers.”

A Meet the Builder open house will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25 from noon to 3 p.m. celebrating the addition of The Maple model home with maple-flavored treats and refreshments served to those attending. Showings also are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. For more information on North Woods of Colchester or to arrange a showing contact Alan Williams of Williams Realty Services at 860-707-4353 or 860-537-5338.

North Woods of Colchester

Builder: Alan D. Williams

Price: Starting at $299,000

Style: Contemporary and traditional ranches and two-story homes

Rooms: 4 to 6

Bedrooms: 2

Baths: 1.5 to 3

Square footage: 1,150 to 3,000

Acreage: 78

Mill rate: 30.91

Best feature: Affordable high-end custom homes in a vibrant mature community